Helium vs. Nitrogen

Attribute	Helium	Nitrogen
Atomic Number	2	7
Atomic Symbol	He	N
Atomic Mass	4.0026 u	14.0067 u
Boiling Point	-268.9°C	-195.8°C
Melting Point	-272.2°C	-210.0°C
Density	0.1785 g/L	1.2506 g/L

Physical Properties

Helium and nitrogen are both colorless, odorless, and tasteless gases at room temperature and pressure. However, they differ in their densities. Helium is the second lightest element in the periodic table, with a density about one-seventh that of air. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is a diatomic molecule with a density about one-fourth that of air. This means that helium is much lighter than nitrogen, making it ideal for applications where weight is a concern.

Chemical Properties

Helium is a noble gas, which means it is highly stable and does not readily react with other elements. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is a reactive gas that can form compounds with a wide range of elements. This makes nitrogen more versatile in chemical reactions compared to helium. However, the stability of helium makes it ideal for applications where inertness is required, such as in balloons or airships.

Abundance

Nitrogen is the most abundant element in Earth's atmosphere, making up about 78% of the air we breathe. Helium, on the other hand, is relatively rare on Earth and is usually extracted from natural gas deposits. This difference in abundance has a significant impact on the cost and availability of helium compared to nitrogen. Nitrogen is much more affordable and readily available for various industrial and scientific applications.

Applications

Both helium and nitrogen have a wide range of applications in various industries. Helium is commonly used in cryogenics, as it has a very low boiling point and can be used to cool superconducting magnets in MRI machines. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is often used in food packaging to extend the shelf life of perishable goods. It is also used in the electronics industry to prevent oxidation during soldering.

Physical Effects

Helium is known for its unique physical properties, such as its ability to make your voice sound higher when inhaled. This is due to its low density and high speed of sound compared to air. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is not known for any such physical effects. However, nitrogen can be dangerous in high concentrations, as it can displace oxygen and lead to asphyxiation.

Environmental Impact

Both helium and nitrogen are inert gases that do not contribute to air pollution or climate change. However, the extraction and production of helium can have environmental impacts, as it is often extracted from natural gas deposits. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is abundant in the atmosphere and can be easily obtained through processes like fractional distillation. This makes nitrogen a more environmentally friendly option compared to helium.